Do pH buffers used in lab experiments go "bad," or become less/more acidic over time?

Question

This is for the "source of error" part of a lab report. THankyou very very much!

Answer 1

Yes, they can deteriorate with time especially if not kept in a fridge in a sterile container.
Phosphate buffers are amongst the worst because they get contaminated easily and grow stuff which will most likely spoil the experiment.

The best way to overcome this is to always make fresh buffer with each experiment :)

Answer 2

They pass "undesirable". As you calibrate your probe, you're slowly introducing greater water, air diffusion will substitute the pH. yet, this regularly no longer a source of errors by using fact the "lifetime" of the buffers must be between a million to 5 years. merely ought to take care to change them in time.

Answer 3

I think they have expiration dates on the outside of the bottle/can. So, I would say yes.